HAI Public Aircraft Forum Earl F. Weener Board Member Thursday, January 20, 2011

2 National Transportation Safety Board Framework - Independent Agency - Five Member Board Function –Investigate and establish facts, circumstances, and cause/probable cause of transportation accidents –Promote transportation safety

3 Crash During Takeoff of Carson Helicopters, Inc., Firefighting Helicopter Under Contract to the U.S. Forest Service Accident –Near Weaverville, CA - August 5, 2008 –Sikorsky S-61N helicopter –Owned by Carson Helicopters; under contract to U.S. Fire Service –Operation was considered a public aircraft operation –9 fatalities, including the pilot in command, the safety crewmember and 7 firefighters NTSB Accident Investigation Report –Approved December 7, 2010 –Probable Cause –Recommendations

4 Carson Investigation Accident Report highlights re: Public Use –Report details –Past history –Findings

5 Public Aircraft Operations Governing framework FAA Statute FAA Regulations FAA Circular FAA Order OMB Circular A- 126 GSA Regulations ICAP Guidelines ?

6 Public Aircraft Operations FAA Authority FAA says no authority, by statute 49 US Code: §44701 §40102 §40125 FARS – prescribe limited authority 14 CFR Part 133 – Rotorcraft External-Load operations Part 137 – Agricultural operations FAA AC – – Suggests no authority; but, restates authority under FAR Parts 133 &137 FAA Order – – directs inspectors to conduct surveillance activities; monitor – suggests oversight authority No Authority Limited Authority Unclear – both Authority (Statute) (Regulation) (Advisory Circular) (FSIMS)

7 Public Aircraft Operations GSA Authority GSA - responsible for agency aircraft management GSA – prescribe limited framework /standards for using Federal aircraft, addressing both operations and safety Interagency Policy Committee – Advises GSA on policy making -Aviation Operations Manuals - Federal Agency Aircraft Operations Manual Guide -Federal Agency Aircraft General Maintenance Manual Guide Authority Authority Structure Guidelines (OMB Circular (Regulation) (ICAP) (Manuals) A-126)

8 Public Aircraft Operations Recommendation A – issued to FAA “Take appropriate actions to clarify Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authority over public aircraft, as well as identify and document where such oversight responsibilities reside in the absence of FAA authority.”

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